Cephalotaxus sinensis aka Chinese Plum Yew

Cephalotaxus sinensis, or Chinese plum yew, is an evergreen shrub from China. Its native range covers eastern and central parts of the country. It belongs to the yew family, Taxaceae. It grows in mountain forests, thickets, and stream valleys. It also occurs in open ground and valley bottoms. Wild plants grow on granite, sandstone, and limestone sites.

This slow-growing shrub can reach about 16 feet [5 metres]. Its form may be round, oval, or pyramidal. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. Green flowers appear in spring. One source gives April to May as the flowering season. Another lists bloom periods across March to June. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Wind carries the pollen between them. Both sexes are needed to produce seed. Seeds ripen from October to November.

Plant it in moist soil that drains well. Sandy soil suits it, but loam and clay also work. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline ground. Avoid dry, gravelly sites and chalky soil. Partial shade is the best-supported choice for garden planting. It also tolerates full shade. Sources list full sun, though plants may grow less well there. Sun suits it better in mild, wet coastal areas. Choose a humid site with shelter from strong exposure. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 7–9. New spring shoots can suffer frost damage despite the plant's winter hardiness. Shelter from early morning sun helps protect this growth.

Use Chinese plum yew as a specimen or woodland shrub. It also suits screens and hedges in shaded sites. It tolerates pruning well, which helps maintain a hedge. Chicago Botanic Garden lists it as deer-resistant. Its wood has uses in furniture, tools, crafts, and utensils. Seed propagation can be slow because of the hard seed coat. Stored seed needs cold treatment and may take over 18 months. Young seedlings need cover through their first winter. Cuttings offer another route, but rooting can be difficult.

Plants For A Future lists the fruit as edible. It notes that fruit may fail to ripen in Britain. It questions whether the seeds are edible and calls for research. Its report of no known hazards does not establish safety. Plant extracts have shown anticancer activity, and several parts contain medicinal alkaloids. These uses do not show that home preparations are safe.